Review on Black Fate - Deliverance (2009)

It’s already been 5 years since the last studio album of this unique band. Black Fate have been “messing” with us since their first demos back in 1992. Since then, 3 demos, 3 studio albums! All these, among many successful gigs.
After quite a few line-up changes, Black Fate have now released, maybe their best album in my opinion. "Deliverance Of Soul" is a full package! It has some great work done in artwork and booklet but it also has some great tracks!! Touching more and more the modern progressive/power sound, the way bands like Kamelot (though I think it’s more Conception), Redemption, Queensryche (in their mid-period), along with Lethal and maybe Pyramaze (in their Lance King period) did!
Some may wonder what took them so long…it would be a very good moment to inform that they had their promo given away back in 2007,including “Blood Red Sky”, “If The Silence”, “Dying Freedom”.
There wasn’t such a big difference in the way they sound in promo and album, meaning that the compositions weren’t changed a lot, it was mostly a matter of production! But all this delay was surely for the best for the band, getting a contract with a label, releasing a very good album which has been getting some very good reviews.
The voice of Vasilis Georgiou, also heard in the incredible band of Innosense, has given the band an other vibe, more melancholic more thoughtful, reminding me of Ray Alder.
“Deliverance Of Soul”, definitely recommended to all the Prog/power fans, an album of 10 songs and an intro, is here to remind us that the metal scene in Greece is not just in the 2 big cities, since they come from Larissa!! Personally favorite song is “If The Silence Was Gray” and “Fallen”, maybe the best way to closing this album!

Review on The Silent Rage - Promo (2009)

If there was someone to tell me after 3 years that the band named Silent Rage released an album just magnificent, the only thing I would do is LAUGH! The ones that have in their hands the rehearsal demo of 2006 named “Perished In Flames” should now know that we are talking for a totally new band! Almost new line up, almost new name (now called “The Silent Rage”), and some new songs with much greater sound, are the ones fulfilling the promo of their forthcoming album, that I have in my hands!
Still on the European melodic power metal sound using clear high pitch vocals, and some more “evil” ones! We are hearing a loud and clear, modern and heavy, but most important of all, CLEAN production. Obviously someone in there is influenced by late Stratovarius and as said before, the European power metal scene with a lot of keys used, not of my kind, but used correct and in an appropriate amount!
The promo begins with “Perished In Flames”, already heard in their 2006 demo...
Completely new, and much better with some very catchy rhythms, maybe reminding you sometimes Iron Maiden from the “Somewhere In Time period”.
Next comes “Leading The Legions”, in my opinion the most awkward song... a song that could easily be a metalcore or a progressive song. We have very good melodies but with too much use of keyboards, and the “evil” vocals remind me a lot of all these melodic-death/metalcore groups that have broken into the metal scene the last few years! Also its closing has a very nice solo accompanied with some “touching” on the keys
The following song is “Wings Of Tragedy”, a song that could easily be a Mystic Prophecy one! At least from the “Never Ending” period…That’s what also makes it my personally favorite of the promo! The first minute is a usual intro with solos, keys, but then follows a tremendous chorus. In some may also remind something from the new Sonata Artica album, that is darker and more moody.
The biggest in duration song “Silent Rage” belongs to the kind of songs that start as a mid tempo song and in a moment the whole scenery changes, and the songs turns into a feast of sounds, and right now we are for sure talking for their most progressive moment! I believe it fits them well.
As in their 2006 demo, the one closing the demo is “Litany Of Imprisoned Souls”.
As the rest (except “Silent Rage”) of the tracks, this one’s also waving round 4 and half minutes! For my taste the less touching song we got but not a bad song.
I already said about their very clean sound, something very pleasing for me, since my last sounds from this band were from a rehearsal being recorded! I should not forget to mention that The Silent Rage have recently taken part in the Greek Rock Hard compilation with Greek metal bands, with the song “Leading The Legions”.
I’m not very good with the terms on every kind of music; I just categorize them based on similar sounds, that’s why I would put the The Silent Rage, next to the ones called neoclassical metal bands, such as Evil Masquerade, Fatal Force…
Let me just wish them luck in their searching for a record label to release their début album entitled “Inner Scars”…

Review on Verdict Denied - Condamned (2009)

Let’s try to turn back time... Back in the year of 1994 when the newly established band called Verdict started playing some covers of favorite bands and also started composing some songs of their own. After releasing 2 demos as Verdict and a few line-up changes, it was time to change name, change line-up, but it wasn’t time for musical direction changing! A band fully influenced by American thrash scene by bands like Paradox, Testament, Megadeth, Metallica, Annihilator, Whiplash but also from tech-speed metal bands like Watchtower, Mekong Delta and even some Sanctuary! The influences stayed, but now we are talking for a more modern way of thrashing. Hello... it’s the 00’s, and Verdict Denied are here to prove it! After having released 1 demo and the same mixed and mastered by Jeff Waters (Annihilator) released as promo for labels it’s now time for them to have their first ever official release under the name “Condamned”! An album with 8 songs, of which, the last 3 are the ones from their promo, just enough for some head banging maniacs

As they did for their promo, mixed and mastered by Jeff Waters and produced by themselves. There is still something that I’m not fully satisfied with the production and especially the way some vocals and some solos are heard, but I can surely say that it is loud and clear! But I have to make a special reference to the way the guitars sound and the way they are “played”. Fast and technical enough, to grab you by your ear, and MAKE you listen to this album.

Cannot really pick up just one of these songs as best or favorite, tough choice for everyone I believe! But an easy choice for me is to pick among the best of this album, "Battle within". A quite clever composition with a melodic chorus and with some female back vocals used only as atmosphere in the song and making it more dramatic! An also good song is for sure “Dark twisted laughter”...Speedy intro with a lot of polyphonies (as in the whole album!)

All of the songs are round 5, 6 minutes, with “Black tango” making an exception with its 08:19 minutes.

In my opinion a very good first attempt from them after all these years of waiting, but it could be even better, a band very promising, even after 15 years!

Review on Winter Crescent - Battle Of Egos e.p. (2009)

Another progressive metal attack has just started.This time,our attack begins from a place in Greece,a bit forgotten by the metal community..at least in relevance with rest of Greece.Crete,a beautiful island,which happens to let us with our mouth widely open this year.Not only with the releases of its bands,but also with some lives made there and even with the Prog And Run Fest in September (more info soon).Winter Crescent is our band and "Battle Of Egos" their first outstanding release. A kinda risky release,since its self-produced,and self-released in 2000 copies!!!Ain't it that a lot?But who cares?If people are open-minded,this will surely be sold out. Grab your jaw,and don't let it fall to the floor,with what you'll hear.Fully technical progressive heavy metal,in the paths that Dream Theater (just technique,not keyboards stuff like that!!!!),Watchtower,Fates Warning also walked..the usual ones. "Battle Of Egos" a demo of 7 tracks,of 7 unique tracks by the musical view.Also good job has been made by the singer,who has some "previous service" in the greek metal scene in Arkenstone (another cretan band,which' dirrection of music might put you in a few thoughts...),and Rex Mundi (from Thessaloniki). Even the cover artwork makes you consider seriously of what you're about to hear,just by taking a look at the guy gazing at the horizon's end (greek-->ΜΠΑΝΤΑΡΑ!!!) you can only be prepared for a long distance trip along with your thoughts and soul...(poetic?) "Battle Of Egos" begins with our 3-part same-titled track..and as the name says,its all about the endless struggling,ones' with himself,his thoughts and feelings (something quite interesting since its a very common phenomenon in nowadays).But our story does not end here..all the tracks are slightly connected one another.All the tracks are soul-talking and mainly refer to our psychology,which makes it a bit darker. Special referance must be made to the drummer,who grabbed my balls and did not let me move with his incredible talent..his age?17 fuckin' years old.YES,only 17 and plays like a maniac... Personally i would not pick some track as favourite,but just because i was left speechless by the kid,i beleive i will say "Lost In Dreams".He really kicks ass in this track.And he is not the only one.The whole rhythm section gives its best,and can easily be heard. Definately a disc for most metalheads,not just the Greeks ones,nor just the progressive ones!Check them also in the Prog And Run Fest in September (more info soon) P.S. for getting this disc in your hands,besides the band you can also contact me,since i wll be distributing some pieces.. IN DO NIO NIO WE STAND!!!(Cheers to Thanos Sgouridis)

Review on Agnosia - Trace decay (2009)

Progressive metal scene in GREECE...in less than a year we already have : Implosion,Winter Crescent,Soundgeist,Persona Non Grata,Everflow...and many more to come as my contacts have told me ...And now Agnosia.Some of you,may remember them from their debut demo, "The Inner Conflict" (2004),which gained some quite good reviews in a lot of magazines in Greece,and webzines around the world. It's been 5 years since then,and the band worked a lot,for almost 3 years,to end up in an incredible concept album named "Trace Decay".A story which may blacken your soul at first,but thank God,its end is better.A sad story of an actor who goes through a lot of situations in his life,not any pleasant ones,that took him away from health,work and mainly family. But it ain't worth it to give any more info about the story.It would be much better for you to get this disc in your hands and try to understand the whole story A story which should be slowly read,and be followed by the music this disc contains,because the mood in the songs goes along with the story.. To the music stuff now...As said before, "Trace Decay",is a progressive metal album with influences not just from the metal area but even some more classic stuff ,as the band seems to be quite open-minded.Bands as,late Queensryche,early Dream Theater,late Fates Warning,Savatage,Rush!!! seem to be the main influences of the band.Also in a few moments the sound of the drums reminded me some more jazz-y sounds..anyway...you can easily tell that we have to deal with a more 90's progressive metal influenced band. 11 tracks and one bonus,("Broken Memories") from "The Inner Conflict" demo,are completing this album,which surely got my attention.Not only the concept story...mostly the way it bonds with the music.You can easily feel that magic in the lyrics,which surely may sound depressing,but the relief is coming soon,after 60 minutes...Basically,for many Greeks who can't understand a lot of stuff in English this album will definately sound relaxing and easy listening,as it really is.As i don't think that is just for metal fans,but for music fans!! Also some very good use of the english language is seen...something not very often in Greek heavy metal bands (most of which are in lack of lyrical inspiration).The voice is also very good and touching,in the way he sings.Some very good use of keyboards is observed,and by saying good use,i mainly mean that they are used just for fixing the whole atmosphere and making a sound more...soul-talking i could say... Special mention has to be made to the all the guest musicians that took part in this album,and are a lot..The only bad thing is that i cannot sort out my personally favourite songs.If i definately had to choose a few,i would say surely "A Drift Into Lie","The Curtain's Rise","Picadilly Circus Nights"...and maybe the heartbreaking "Voices". Maybe one of the releases which will surely grab your attention...if only the Greeks weren't so prejudiced with their "own" bands,this release would surely kick some ass. Agnosia,will be playing live this september with the whole prog and run tour...check for more info in their myspace page...PROG. ON!!!

Review on Anthimos Manti - Alligator lick (2009)

To be honest,i believe i'm not the the suitable person for this review.There are others with many more insights than me,on the shredding albums...But i guess i'll have to do it on my own,besides my few awareness of this subject.. Searching on his myspace profile,i wasn't able to get any more info about this shredder from thessaloniki,not any more info than the ones i had already in my hands.. Quite young in his age and with some very good ideas,Anthimos Manti has worked with bands and musicians in Greece that may have helped,him or them,through their collaboration,but also made him gain some respect for his work by many..That's the reason why he has worked with Winter's Dawn on their last album "The Winter Is Dawning",that's why he has been joining Christos Dantis on his shows,also played with Stargate,John Jeff Touch and (correct me if i'm wrong) if i'm well recalling,he played some riffs and solos on the 10-year cellebration since the Metally Insane project,with Crystal Tears and many other musicians,last year.That means,that we are dealing with some very professional work over here.As it is indeed... A promotional album with 14 tracks full of shredding and a lot of hard rock and progressive influences by the all-time classics,such as Vai,Satriani,Gilbert... "Alligator Lick" is the name of this album which has some good sound and production,14 tracks easily heard by anyone,as the tracks are are very short-lengthed,and do not bust your balls with all that guitar playing..Its advantage is that i didnot get bored with all that riffing and solo-ing,becuase i'm not really on that stuff,i do easily get tired of the instrumental albums,mostly when there is no inspiration and when there is nothing new to present.Something that happens quite often here in Greece in the last 2 years where all the guitarists are suddenly "Guitar heroes".. There are only a few,countable in one hand,as we Greeks say,the shredders that have managed to gain my attention,since all of them are playing the exact same things....By my judgement,Anthimos belongs to the few,numbered ones,those that are in "one hand"... For a reason i haven't discovered yet,my personally,favourite track is "Mr.Potato"..(yeah,you're gonna see some very "interesting" names in the tracks..) A video has been made for the same-titled track,"Alligator lick",which reeeeeaally bored me,by watching Anthimos watching the whole time at the camera while playing his solo...anyway...i won't judge the video clip...the main point is that this album is for all you guys that want to hear something different,something new. it even offers some guitar lessons .... check out!!

Review on Crosswind - Opposing Forces e.p. (2009)

It's already been 11 years since the first demo of Crosswind.It was 1998 when "Dark Omens" was unleashed,and showed to the world the possibilities of this band.Well,to be fair,this was shown to Greece,and not in the world.Quite a good demo,with some europower melodies and catchy epicly influenced sound. Then came in 2007 with the next demo "Beyond" which got some amazing reviews worldwide (through fanzines and webzines).And now,"Opposite Forces". A demo fully recorded in England,(correct me if i'm wrong),since the songwritter and the mainman himself,Kyriakos Vasdokas,moved there in early 2008. 3 heavy metal songs influences by bands that were at their zenith in the mid 80's in the european heavy and power metal scene with their intro track for each one and one cover are fullfillin this disc. Bands like Running Wild,Helloween,Accept seem to be the main influences for this band,and even more.A unique and tremendous cover to Queensryche's "Walk In The Shadows", a cover that has left me speechless,since the voice of Kyriakos reaches the high-pitched frequences of Tate's voice.The riffs are neckbreaking and remind me a lot of some Iron Maiden.Even some "choral"-vocals in the choruses,increase the level of each song and make it more easylistening. Besides the european influences,i really have to say that this,was mainly their path in their first 2 demos.Though,in this one,the sound has been slightly "americanised",bringing back some good old memories of the great Jag Panzer with Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin in vocals.I really don't understand the way they managed to mix these sounds and bring out something so True and Heavy,but they did,and i'm happy to have this disk in my hands. My only objection,is the small length of the tracks,mostly floating in 4 minutes more or less.Some of them could be a bit longer.Don't forget the incredible work once again,for the cover of this disc,by Dimitar Nikolov,as he did and in the "Beyond" demo. Very good move by these guys who gave us for once again some very professional work.Check them on myspace,they will surely grab your attention... P.S.Kyriako,i owe you some beers in Excalibur!!!CHEERS!!!

Review on Luna Obscura - Feltia (2008) {gr}

Πέρασαν πια 4 χρόνια απο την τελευταία φορά που διάβασα σε κάποιο περιοδικό-fanzine το όνομα Luna Obscura.Δισκοκριτική τότε πάνω στο demo Darcanda.Από τότε,το συγκρότημα υπέστη αλλαγές,κυρίως μελών.Η μουσική ωστόσο δεν έχει αλλάξει και ιδιαίτερα.Και το όνομα αυτού...."Feltia"...Ατμοσφαρικό death με εναλλαγές φωνητικών μεταξύ brutal και γυναικείων μελωδικών..Ένα μουσικό ύφος το οποίο θεωρήθηκε από πολλούς στο χώρο του metal ως "Σούπα".Όχι άδικα,χαρακτηρισμός όμως που δεν αρμόζει στο συγκρότημα το οποίο μας έρχεται απο τις Σέρρες,συγκρότημα που δεν έχει κάποια κυκλοφορία κάθε χρόνο με σκοπό να πιάσει την "καλή".Ο δίσκος δείχνει απο το πρώτο άκουσμα πως είναι πολύ καλά και προσεκτικά δουλεμένος.Ακούγεται πολυ φρέσκος.Επιρροές....Theatre of tragedy,katatonia και άλλα πολλά συγκροτήματα απο τη Σκανδιναβία με παρόμοιο ήχο,μιας και είναι ήχος που συναντάται κυρίως εκεί,καθώς και τα τελευταία χρόνια και στην Ιταλία. Φανταστείτε λοιπόν ένα δάσος μες στο σκοτάδι,με άγριους ήχους λόγω της ησυχίας.Ήχος προερχόμενος απο τα φύλλα των δενδρών,από τον άνεμο,από τα νυκτόβια ζώα...Ένας ήχος μοναδικός στα αυτιά σου,μιας και μπορει να προσφέρει συγχρόνως,ανατριχίλα,άγχος και οργή.Και κάπου εκεί,είναι που αρχίζει να αχνοφένεται το φεγγάρι....Είναι η στιγμη που ακούς τα γυναικεία φωνητικά.Το φως της ελπίδας μεσα σε ένα σκοτάδι σκέψεων.. 11 τετοια κομμάτια.11 κομμάτια που μπορούν να σε παρασύρουν μαζί με τις σκέψεις σου σε μέρη φανταστικά,σαν αυτά που κάποτε μας ταξίδευαν και οι Amorphis (ένδοξες εποχές ε?).11 κομμάτια πολύ καλής παραγωγής,το οποίο με γυρνάει στο συμπέρασμα ότι είναι κομμάτια που δουλεύονται εδώ και χρόνια.Βέβαια αυτήν τη στιγμή αδυνατώ να έχω άποψη πάνω στο θέμα παραγωγής και μίξης,μιας και κατά την αποστολή-παραλαβή,πριν φτάσει στα χέρια μου ο εν λόγω δίσκος,κάποιος έχασε το booklet..(να μην πω ποιος ε?να δω πότε θα το βρεις να μου το στειλεις αρχηγέ..). Δίσκος ο οποίος είναι εκτός των ακουσμάτων μου,αλλά εντός των δίσκων που έχω βρει πολύ αξιόλογους και με δυνατότητα να ακουστούν πολύ πιο έξω απο την Ελλάδα.Πριν 4 χρόνια δηλώσατε πως πρώτο σας μέλημα είναι οι πραγματοποίηση κάποιων συναυλιών,τώρα ποιό είναι?Τα αυτιά σας ανοιχτά στα "Symphony of sighs" και "Dance of forsaken souls"...μιλάμε για μουσική ποίηση...

Review on Storrmbringer - Promo (2008) {gr}

Γουστάρεις 80-ίλα?Επικούρα?obscur-ίλα?Μετά από αυτές τις εντυπωσιακές λέξεις που προανέφερα,ας περάσουμε σε μία πολύ δυνατή και πολλά υποσχόμενη κυκλοφορία που αναμένεται,μαζί με μερικές ακόμα για φέτος,να καταφέρουν να αλλάξουν τα μυαλά στους κολλημένους Έλληνες μεταλλάδες...ο Θεός Mustaine δηλαδή να τους κάνει μεταλλάδες,αν κρίνω από ενα live που βρέθηκα πρόσφατα...Για να μη μακρυγορούμε,STORRMBRINGER...αυτή είναι η μπάντα που κάνει πολύ δυναμικά την εμφάνιση της.Μια παρέα από το Βόλο,με κοινή αγάπη για τόν επικό αληθινό ήχο των '80's.Ένα promo 3 κομματιών είναι αυτό που έφτασε στα χέρια μου, το οποίο προετοιμάζει το έδαφος για τον δίσκο τους που θα κυκλοφορήσει εντός των επομένων μηνών ,"Among the flames of war".Ήχος αρκετά καλος για τον χώρο στον οποίο κινούνται,αν και πάλι προβληματίζομαι με τον ήχο των drums (μήπως έχω εγώ πρόβλημα?).Το θέμα greeklish δε θα το αναφέρω,στην Ελλάδα βρισκόμαστε,είναι σύνηθες πια.Οι επρροές απο Cirith ungol και πρώιμους Manowar και τολμώ να πω Warlord και Manilla road σε κάποια σημεία,είναι εμφανέστατες.Με πρώτο κομμάτι το όνομα της μπάντας,καθώς και με το άκουσμα της κιθάρας,συνειδητοποιείς πως έχει να πέσει πολύ επικό κοπάνημα...Ο τρόπος με τον οποίο ο τραγουδιστής ερμηνεύει (και όχι τραγουδάει),σου προκαλεί ρίγος.Μιλάμε για ερμηνεία σε μορφή αφήγησης,που προσδίδει συναίσθημα μάχης.Ό,τι ακριβως θέλαμε.Ακολουθεί το "heathen cry",στα ίδια βήματα με το προηγούμενο κομμάτι,επίσης πολύ δυνατό.Στην εισαγωγή νιώθεις απλά να προελαύνει καποιος στρατός μέσα στα αυτία σου.Εδώ γίνεται αντιληπτό πως με κάποια πολύ απλά παιξίματα μπορείς να παίξεις πραγματικό METAL και να πορώσεις κόσμο.Ακόμα και τα solo είναι μικρής διάρκειας,χώρις καν να σκέφτεσαι "αργεί να τελειώσει?".Πολύ δυνατό κομμάτι...Πολύ καλό.Αλλά όχι σαν αυτό που ακολουθεί.Μιλάμε για τη μεγάλη δύναμη του promo αυτού."Return of the avenger".Όλο το ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΑΤΣΑΛΙ είναι μαζεμένο εδω μέσα.απο την αρχή του φαίνεται πως είναι κομμάτι για live.Ελαφρως πιο γρήγορο,από τα προηγούμενα 2.Και η φώνή του ερμηνευτή (....είπαμε...δεν τραγουδάει απλά..) είναι για αποθέωση.Οι κιθάρες πιάνουν που και που κατι maiden-ικούς ρυθμούς,ίσα-ίσα για να σε πορώσουν.Κάτι καθόλου δύσκολο όπως φαίνεται για τα παιδιά από τον Βόλο.Στο ενεργητικό τους έχουν ήδη 2 support στους Innerwish και έχουν ήδη κλείσει για το UP THE HAMMERS FESTIVAL IV στην Αθήνα.Ένα promo λοιπόν πολύ δυνατό,συνίσταται για T R U E οπαδούς!!!

Review on Ragenheart - In The Name Of God (2006) {gr}

Ανοίγοντας κανείς το 2σέλιδο booklet του demo των Αθηναίων Ragenheart,με τίτλο "In The Name Of God", κοιτόντας με μια διαφορετική ματιά απο τη συνηθισμένη,παρατηρεί πως δεν έχουμε να κάνουμε με σχολιαρόπαιδα.Οπότε απλά περιμένουμε μια σοβαρή και ώριμη δουλειά.Ένα σχήμα που κινείται στον χώρο του us prog/power metal,με πολύ καλή ανάμειξη στοιχείων των 80's-90's. Αν είστε λάτρεις συγκροτημάτων όπως οι Crimson Glory,Lethal,Dio,Fates Warning,Conception,Queensryche, όπως επίσης και Black Sabbath με Tony Martin στα φωνητικά,αξίζει και με το παραπάνω της προσοχής σας. Βάζοντας λοιπόν το cd να παίξει,το πρώτο κομμάτι που μας υποδέχεται είναι το "Child Of Rage".Από την πρώτη κιόλας στιγμή καταλαβαίνουμε πωσ έχουμε να κάνουμε με ένα απίστευτο λαρύγγι το οποίο μας αφήνει με το στόμα ανοιχτό.Έντονο συναίσθημα στο ρεφραίν,το οποίο ακολουθεί ένα πιο αργό γύρισμα,το οποίο καταλήγει σε μία επίδειξη δυνανοτήτων απο τον τραγουδιστή και τον κιθαρίστα (τον ένα και μοναδικό του συγκροτήματος). Ακολουθεί το "In The Name Of God",με ένα πολύ καλό ρυθμό δωσμένο απο τον μπασσίστα κυρίως...Κάπως πιο αργό κομμάτι σε σχέση με το προηγούμενο,με πιο εμφανή τα πλήκτρα,ο λόγος για τον οποίο η μπάντα συνεχίζει να παίζει μόνο με μία κιθάρα. Με εισαγωγή απο πλήκτρα και κιθάρα,ξεκινάς να μπαίνεις στο συναισθημα αυτού του τραγουδιού.Ένα τραγούδι που σίγουρα έχει σκοπό να σε χαλαρώσει ευχάριστα,γραμμένο σε μεγάλο μέρος του απο τον τραγουδιστή.Μιλάμε πάντως για ερμηνεία...ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΡΜΗΝΕΙΑ...σου μένει χωρίς να το βαρεθείς,παρα τα 8 λεπτά του. Σειρά έχει το αγαπημένο πολλων φίλων της μπάντας κατά τη διάρκεια των συναυλιών τους."The Spartan". Γρήγορο τραγούδι,για πολύ headbanging,το οποίο "πνίγεται" απο ενα επικότατο συναίσθημα,που καταφέρνει να βγει απο τον πληκτρά.Αξιοσημείωτη είναι επίσης και η δουλειά που έχει γίνει στο μπάσσο,αν και πιστεύω οτι έχει θαφτεί λιγο.Θα μπορούσε να είναι λίγο πιο μπροστά.Για ακόμα μια φορά το τραγούδι κλείνει με solo στην κιθάρα... Κλείνουν το demo αυτό,με το δικό μου αγαπημένο τραγούδι,"The Amulet".ξεκινάει σαν ένα mid-tempo κομμάτι,αλλά οι ταχύτητες ανεβαίνουν.Εδώ καταλαβαίνει κανείς πως έχουμε να κάνουμε με ένα πολύ καλοπαιγμένο demo,στο οποίο έχει πεσει δουλειά και χρόνος.επίσης το ψευδώνυμο του drummer,"speedy",θα μποσούσε να είχε βγει απο αυτό το κομμάτι,μιας και τα ξεσπάσματά του είναι απίστευτα.στα μισά του κομματιού η διάθεση αλλάζει και οι ταχύτητες ανεβαίνουν...αρκετά ώστε να μη μπορείς να κάτσεις σε ησυχία.Σε όσους μελετήσουν προσεχτικά μπορεί και να φανεί η αγάπη του κιθαρίστα για τον Zakk Wylde. Συνοψίζοντας,έχουμε μια πολύ δυνατή κυκλοφορία απο την Αθήνα.Ένα συγκρότημα που ήρθε για να μείνει.Ίσως αν μπορέσει να βρει και μια υπεύθυνη δισκογραφική εταιρεία (όποιος κατάλαβε κατάλαβε) να μπορέσουν να κυκλοφορήσουν τη δουλειά τους.. Το μοναδικό αρνητικό που έχω να προσθέσω,αν και δεν ασχολούμαι πια με αυτό το θέμα,μιας και είναι πολύ standar για την Ελλάδα,ειναι τα αγγλικά...Εκεί έχουμε ένα μικρό πρόβλημα,επιλύσιμο όμως... Τα μάτια σας λοιπόν ανοιχτα γιαυτό το group,είναι άξιο της προσοχής σας...

Review on Necrorgasm - Blissful Manslaughter (2008) {gr}

Οι σφαλιαρες στην ελληνικη σκηνη ερχονται απανωτες.2008,να μιλησουμε για κυκλοφοριες ελληνικων συγκροτηματων?χρειαζεται αληθεια?φετος ηταν μια χρονια που μπορω να πω με σιγουρια πλεον πως επιτελους εχουμε καλες παραγωγες και καλο ηχητικα αποτελεσμα...ενας τομεας στον οποιο η ελληνικη σκηνη υποφερει κατα τη γνωμη μου...μεσα λοιπον σε ολα αυτα τα συγκροτηματα ειναι και οι necrorgasm οι οποιοι ταλαιπωρουν τους σβερκους μερικων απο το 2004 οταν και μαθαμε το συγκροτημα απο την κυκλοφορια τους με τιτλο "spawn of perversion"...μια κυκλοφορια η οποια επανηχογρφηθηκε το 2006 καθως και ενας ακομα δισκος...με τα πολλα φτασαμε στο 2008 στο τελος του οποιου μας χαριζουν το "blissful manslaughter",ενας δισκος τον οποιο καλα θα κανουν καποιοι να τον θυμουνται γιατι ειναι μες στις σπανιες περιπτωσεις που η ελλαδα βγαζει ενα αξιολογο death metal δισκο...7 τραγουδια γεματα με μισος και οργη,σκοτεινες σκεψεις και αηδια...μικρης διαρκειας (ολα ειναι στα 03:30 περιπου,εκτος απο ενα που εινα στα 04:13) αυτο ομως δεν σε δυσκολευει αν εισαι λατρης συγκροτηματων οπως οι obituary και οι morbid angel και με εναν κιθαριστα πιστευω fan του zakk wylde,καθως οι επιρροες κανουν εμφανη τα σημαδια τους...συνισταται σε ολους τους death-αδες και μη...

Review on Conspiracy - The Crippled Invaders e.p. (2008) {gr}

Εγώ πάντα το έλεγα.Τα παιδικά πού παρακολουθούσαμε κάποτε δεν υπάρχουν πια.Τα παιδιά τώρα βλέπουν μαλακίες μόνο.Το ξέρω πως η εισαγωγή μου είναι άσχετη,αλλά είναι το μόνο που μπορούσε να έρθει στο μυαλό μου όταν ακούς σε εισαγωγή το "Power Rangers Theme" διασκευασμένο.Και μόνο αυτό σου φτιάχνει τη διάθεση.και περιμένεις να ακούσεις μουσική που θα σε οδηγήσει σε ένα ευχάριστο headbanging.Και η πρόβλεψη είναι αληθινή.5 κομμάτια (+2 τα intro και outro) που σε οδηγούν σε ατελείωτα mosh και ενα απίστευτο τρέξιμο (σχόλιο από εμπειρία,όπου κατά τη διάρκεια του ακούσματος αυτού του δίσκου και με τη συντροφιά μερικών ποτών,το σπίτι μου ζαλίστηκε να με βλέπει να τρέχω).Στιχουργικά κινούμαστε σε πειρατικές υποθέσεις,με μεγάλη σημασία,αν κανείς το παρατηρήσει.Σα να μπαίνει ο τραγουδιστής στο ρόλο(αποψή μου πάντα...).το εντελως D.R.I.-ικό τους thrash είναι κάτι αρκετά ευχάριστο,αν και πιτεύω πολύ συνηθισμένο τα τελευταία χρόνια,ειδικά στην Ελληνική σκηνή.Μικρά σε διάρκεια κομμάτια το οποίο ειναι και αυτό που σε κρατάει κολλημένο στο τι θα ακούσεις στη συνέχεια.κλείσιμο...nirvana και χαμός μετά.Καλή δουλειά απο τους Θεσσαλονικείς Conspiracy.Δε γνωρίζω το αν κινούνται για συμβόλαιο με κάποια εταιρεία,πιστεύω ωστόσο πωσ άνετα θα ανήκαν στην κατηγορία του D.I.Y. κινήματος,τους πάει μάλλον...Ένα σχόλιο ωστόσο που θέλω να κάνω,είναι πως κατα τη διάρκεια ενος ήρεμου ακούσματος του demo,μου ήρθαν στο μυαλό άπειρες εισαγωγές παλιών παιδικών.Μπορεί βέβαια να είναι κάτι από το μυαλό μου,μπορεί και να φταίει η εισαγωγή που προανέφερα.Παρ'όλ'αυτά εγώ κλείνω ικανοποιημένος αυτήν την κριτική,με την ελπίδα,το συγκρότημα να αποδίδει εξίσου καλά και στα live... Υ.Γ.-->Κάποιος εκεί μέσα ακούει πολύ N.Y.H.C,ή είναι η ιδέα μου?

Review on Razor's Edge - promo (2008) {gr}

Δεν ξέρω πως να αρχίσω.Αλήθεια.είμαι στο 4ο συνεχόμενο άκουσμα και ακόμα προσπαθώ να βγάλω άκρη με το τι παίζει με αυτά τα παλικάρια.Πάντως δεν έχουμε να κάνουμε με ένα φυσιολογικό promo.Λένε να μην κρίνεις 1 βιβλίο από το εξώφυλλο.Εγώ έκανα το αντίθετο.Είδα το myspace τους (μη ρωτάτε,ΨΑΞΤΕ!!!),τσέκαρα το εξώφυλλο,και περιμένω να ακούσω καμια hardcore-ίλα.Και επιτέλους βάζω το δισκάκι να παίξει.Εισαγωγη?πολύ industrial,πολλά πληκτρα,ωστόσο καλή (αν και στην αρχή έχει ενα,λίγο,reggae feeling),ιδιαίτερα μετά απο το πρώτο λεπτό.Κομμάτι γραμμένο απο τον Sunjamo (μη με ρωτάτε ποιον?Απλά θεωρώ πως πρέπει να αναφερθεί εφόσον το τονίζουν και οι ίδιοι).Και να που αρχίζουν τα περίεργα.Με πρώτο κομμάτι το "Enough".Με το που ακούω τα drums,κάτι δε μ'αρέσει...και είναι το πως ακούγονται..να θυμίσω σε μερικόυς το "St. Αnger",χωρίς να υπερβάλλω και να θέλω να γίνομαι άδικος.Brutal φωνητικά,σε πολύ bouncιng up and down ρυθμούς και ένα μπάσσο που απλά δεν ακούγεται όπως έπρεπε.ευχάριστο ωστόσο το ρεφραίν. "Spirit of revenge",και η κάσα είναι έτοιμη πια να σπάσει.κατά την άποψή μου,ένα κομμάτι που μετράει πολύ για τα live.Οι στίχοι του λίγο με δυσκόλεψαν με τον τρόπο που τους απέδιδε ο τραγουδιστής αλλά απόλυτα περιγραφικοί. Περνάω στο αγαπημένο μου κομμάτι του promo,και "Why".Σε 02:33 άκουσα όσα δεν άκουσα νωρίτερα.Προσοχή ιδιαίτερη στην κιθάρα που με κάποια πολύ απλά παιξίματα μπορεί να σε κάνει να μην κάθεσαι σε ησυχία.Έχει δύναμη αυτό το κομμάτι.Και περνάω στην πιο αδύναμη στιγμή αυτού του promo,"Where are the gods".Δεν σας πάει μάλλον τόσο low-tempo κομμάτι.Είναι υπερβολικά αργό σε σχέση με αυτο που ακόυστηκε νωρίτερα,λείπει έμπνευση και έχει σημεία μέσα που τα έχουμε χιλιοακούσει.Το doom feeling που προσπαθει να βγει προς τα έξω,απλά δε βγαίνει. Χωρίς να είμαι ειδικός,κρίνω πως με αυτόν τον ήχο δεν κάνεις πολλά.πόσο μάλλον με τον ήχο στα drums.κι όταν μιλάμε για promo,σημαίνει πως κομμάτια για δίσκο υπάρχουν ήδη έτοιμα.Με μία απλή συμβουλή,προτείνω τα κομμάτια να δουλεφθούν κι άλλο και να μη βιαστούν σε κάποια κυκλοφορία. Σε ένα promo,λοιπόν,5 κομματιών,προς όσους κυνηγήσουν αυτήν την κυκλοφορία,το νου σας στα "Enough" και "Why",κρύβουν πολλά μέσα τους...

Review on Turbulence - Cryonics e.p. (2008)

What the fuck is going on...?That's the best intro for these guys from Athens...we now are talking for just a bunch of kids..3 songs into an e.p. named "CRYONICS" that were written and composed during their highschool years.How is that possible?If the real metal sound,lives deeply in you,and you just ain't some motherfucker who's making a band just to approach some girls,(because this is happening nowadays in GREECE),it is possible!!! Inspired from bands that gave some True sound back in the 80's and at the very first 90's.Bands like Annihilator,Watchtower,Helstar and even more U.S. based bands.By some talking with their drummer,Liam Fox,the band got together in 2005...and most of the ideas being played in this e.p.,are since then...A drummer self taught,a young talented singer,and a fucking great guitarist (student of "our" Theodore Ziras,who's taking part in the first track,entitled "Weakest Link" with an incredible solo) along aside with their shredder bassist and their good friends helping them in some songs (Nick Beyes,Nick Melissourgos,Mimis Kalatzis) they try to bring some very good sound that is not often seen from greek bands.For the production is more than good enough,and the artwork also... Though,we already know that their singer has left the band,due to personal reasons,and a lot of singers have tried to approach them..Still don't know if they have found any,but hope that they will get someone ,a level higher (or more ;) ). So what about these 3 songs? "Weakest Link" makes the start with some very headbanging intro riffing,accompanied by the magic rythm section which makes you wanna run,and nothing more.Clean vocals with some high pitch screams for backing vocals..Though some work needs to be done with the "greeklish",but now who cares..he's out!!!! And there comes Theodore Ziras...giving himself some guitar solo lessons...accompanied by his student,who's done excellent work. "Shellshocked" follows...The first 14 second,at first made me go back into the 80's songs...songs with some beautiful melodies in their intros...It begins as a low tempo song,(maybe a track for the more easy listeners)..but that's just for the half of the song...after that half (02:13) a pandemonium starts.Pure speeding and shredding...Very interesting ending Closing with "Escape from the inside"...Heavy riffing intro but in my opinion the vocals kept bored this time...if i were them,i would keep this track instrumental.. it just didn't fit me...Very good work though.. A hope for the future greek metal scene is obvious...Now Turbulence are composing new tracks,which sound nothing like this e.p.,as Liam told me..it will keep their 80's sound,but it will be more "progressive".Not the progressive you all think of.The progressive that means progression in their sound,trying to mix all of their influences,all of their music.Let's just hope that we will see some work of them very soon... A video is already recorded for the "Weakest Link",check it!

Review on Persona Non Grata - Shade In The Light (2009)

The name Persona Non Grata may not be much familiar at the moment,it won't take long though for the world to get to know them.How many rather when we fall onto Vasillis Axiotis for once again...Apparently this guy cannot stand inactive.Taking part in bands which have left their mark in the greek metal scene,such as Phantom Lord,Nigel Foxxe's Inc.,Overlord's Perpetual,Nostalgia For A Belief (much more recent),and correct me if i'm wrong,he had a few participations with the band RoT.We also have Akis Gavalas,a session drummer of Agnosia,and full time drummer of Sound Of Silence.Do not forget and the machinery,as a matter of personal opinion,of this band,John Ioannidis.All the above,accompanied by Chris Gatsos and Chris Vogiatzis,and under the name of Persona Non Grata,they manage to release "Shade In The Light" through Sensory records. Just by taking a good look on the bands mentioned before,it will not take long for somenone to figure out,that we have to do with a group standing in the progressive metal area,(though i have an objection about the "metal" part...it's not a strong objection though ;)...),with also some hard rock references. We now are talking about the well known sound of progressive metal..the one that was given to us 10-15 years ago by Dream Theater..and you can easily check on the influences by Dream Theater,Shadow Gallery,Deep Purple,Rush...in few cases it also reminded me 2 bands that possibly a lot of you will disagree with. but who cares...the one is Talisman and the other one is a greek band..Breaking Silence.Don't ask me why,these were my first thoughts,thats why i'm writing them down.Pretty good and relaxing melodies,and inspiration,are the ones that mark off,while the keyboards get a ruling position.In association with the voice of Axiotis and the tremendous production,we are beind led to a very good release,with bonded and complete songs.. Personal favourite songs are :"Collision Course","Shade In The Light" and "Before The Reason" (take also a very good listen on the "Empty Shadows" solo starting at 04:15),in a 10 song total.Hardly enough you will find out a weak moment in this album,because of a very taken care of,job.And that's of course one of the reasons why this band got a contract with Sensory,a label with a lot of names in her catalogue,most of which in the same "area".Bands like Zero Hour,Gordian Knot,Avalon,Mind's Eye...and let's not forget the last album from "our" guys,Wastefall,a disk with which they ended their route,"Self Exile". A great opportunity then for another greek group to prove its power to the exterior..

Review on Nervisequin - demo (2009)

Is there any bigger problem for a young group, than its rushing for music creation? NO!!! From what I know, your influences should be adjusted in YOUR music, and not adjusting your ideas in THEIR music. That’s the problem with this band, NERVISEQUIN..

From the moment I got in my hands the demo, something got me a bit preoccupied… All those colours, have I seen only in [lat]-ernative (it doesn’t need any correction).And it happens to be my cleaning day… and as I inserted the disk to my player and turn to go make some work, I froze, and returned to see WHAT THE HELL HAVE I BEEN LISTENING TO!!!!

I Just got a little confused. I thought I was listening to System of a down. anyway, the song starts, “reserve”… Its name,(it could easily be the continuity of System of a down’s “hypnotize)!!! The vocals, the guitar parts, the drums… all lead to small comparison with System of a down. So I sat down expecting to hear something different.

Second track? “Scarlet”...The group named Muse, in a metalhead’s mind, could mean nothing at all. Though, for those who anticipated MTV, or even MADTV in the past few year, they will surely know very well who they are.I personally consider them from the few true musicians in the system of alternative rock-metal music. I still consider it as [lat]-ernative. Thus, cut and sewed is this track, and the voice continues reminding Daron Malakian (what a surname, funny one for the greeks).

Next in the row comes “Every part of the world”…basically if you throw a good ear and listen to it EXCESSIVELY CAREFULLY you will find material from songs of System of a down, Muse, and for all those who have just hardly cleaned their ears, they will also find Metallica... As said before, this track seems to have escaped from System of a down’s “steal this album. Even the “lalalalala….” theme from 02:28 and afterwards makes it even more obvious.

In the end they leave with “retaliate”... some may listen something from a greek band named Tsopana rave a “Dos mou dyo katostarika”, I happen to prefer this song the most, in comparison with the others. Don’t ask why, I don’t know...

In my opinion the whole demo lacks of inspiration and still needs work to be done.

And as always, it needs a lot of patience. Don’t forget that many bands have been writing songs for years and years, based on some old ideas they once had.

But, please don’t take as an example Guns ‘n’ Roses’ “chinese democracy”….....

Review on Wishdoom - Up The Hammers (2008)

My personal sin is that i "discovered" this group through a compilation made by a friend with new releases.And the truth is,that they fastly got my attention.Therefore i ran onto them in MYSPACE (classic….)… Wishdoom….since some of us,lucky enough,enjoyed them in their first live,in Thessaloniki,accompanied by Storrmbringer [from Volos city],supporting Marauder,I finally acquired the entire e.p..The parcel includes 6 tracks,of which: 1 intro, 1 instrumental and 1 cover medley in THE gods BATHORY (always with capital letters!!!).I dare to say that we have to deal with a very good blow from Thessaloniki,which had a long time with no offering us pure heavy metal, since most demos, e.p.'s and promos came from the province,while from Thessaloniki we mainly had groups with glammer sound,or more extreme.Traditional epic/doom obliged to groups such as BATHORY, Omen, Virgin steele, Warlord, Doomsword (check the production) and other megatheriums of epic sound that used to combine some darker situations-sounds-lyrics… Its production is decent enough for the species of metal that they play, with a small exception in the vocals, which in certain parts need some work still to be done.
What should all be careful with, is the intro track… (Macedonia, land of Alexandros).If you still didn't get it,it's talking about the anthem of Macedonians "MACEDONIA XAKOUSTI" (macedonia celebrated) !!! In a more lowtempo implementation, however it takes you immediately in a battle climate.And what began with the intro track,continues with the epic "Up the hammers",with a lot mood alternations,from more lowtempo situations,it takes you immediately in an incredible blow,with a feeling clearly epic.And now,to a song which i adored.A fasttempo song (in some of you,the guitar parts may remind something… the stupid thing is that i'm talking about it the whole morning and now i cannot recall it ;) ).Something that certainly the band likes,is the continuous mood alternations.Next track,the name of the band.Wishdoom,clearly orchestral,as a matter of personal opinion the most representative,as it includes a summary,concerning their influences.nice work…
The e.p. closes with their medley in BATHORY,a medley that includes: Blood and iron, Father to son, Valhalla, Baptised in fire and ice, Shores in flames…A surely dangerous adaptation,however very successful.My personnal congrats,as i got frightened at first,with the fact that someone made a cover thus simple to BATHORY.
Very good work therefore from Wishdoom,whose main concern at the moment is the realisation of some live concerts.Their first one,took place a week ago,with success,as it seemed from the reactions of the audience.Maybe in their next work they will also include the new piece of work that was presented in this concert, "I wish your doom"… a clever pun, as their name.A wish and a curse,in a way ;).we hope its wish.....

Review on Everflow - promo (2008) {gr}

Αυτό το review δεν είναι και τόσο απλό.Μιλάμε για,όχι απλά δίσκο του μήνα,πιθανότητα θα είναι ένα μεγάλο χτύπημα που θα προέρχεται από την Ελλάδα.Ανοίξτε κανά αυτί και δώστε προσοχή στο όνομα Everflow.Η βόρεια ελλάδα κάνει για ακόμα μια φορά την εμφάνιση της στο χώρο του metal βασισμένο σε αμερικάνικο κυρίως ήχο.Γιατί δυστυχώς ή ευτυχώς,έτσι λειτουργούν τα πράματα στη βόρεια ελλάδα.Χαλλλλλλαρά...αλλά δυναμικά και σταθερά.Η αρχή έγινε με την πρόσφατη κυκλοφορία απο την Steel Gallery Records των Implosion.Και τώρα..EVERFLOW!Να δω ποιός θα τσιμπήσει στο δυναμικό του ένα group,με απιστευτη φωνή,τρομερή παραγωγή,ευφυέστατη μουσική.Όλα αυτά στο E.P. τους με όνομα "Abandoned".Εγώ προσωπικά δεν έχω να πω πολλά γι αυτήν την κυκλοφορία.τι να πει και κανείς.U.S. prog/power metal φτιαγμένο απλά την λάθος εποχή.Αν είχαμε αυτήν την κυκλοφορία στα τελη των '80's ή αρχή '90's θα τους είχαμε στείλει μεταγραφή στο εξωτερικό.Αλλά όχι...στη σημερινή Ελληνική σκηνή,ακούμε μονο ξένα group με έλληνες καλλιτέχνες στο δυναμικό τους.Για μας αυτό είναι ελληνική σκηνή!!!!
Να μην αρχίσω όμως πάλι το κράξιμο.
Everflow - "Abandoned" λοιπόν.5 τραγούδια το ένα πιο δυνατό από το άλλο.5 τραγούδια που απλά περιμέναν να βγουν έξω.Σα να ήταν φυλακισμένα και απλά να επανάστατησαν.Γιατί δεν έχουμε απλα ένα μελωδικό σχήμα που παίζει prog/power.Έχει μια όμορφη δύναμη στη μουσική...κρυμμένη πολύ καλά στα πλήκτρα και τη φωνή,μια φώνη που εύκολα σε παρασύρει στο να σιγοτραγουδας κι ας μην έχεις τους "στίχοι" (α ρε χαρρυ κλυν...) μπροστά (ή και καθόλου στην περίπτωση την δικιά μου).
Το μοναδικό foul που έχω να αναφέρω είναι αυτο το booklet.δώστε κανά στοιχείο ρε παιδιά.παραγωγή,μίξη, ηχογράφηση,κάτι έστω να μελετήσουμε...όχι τέτοιο κενό.
Θησαυρός του δίσκου "My disaster" και το "Mindtrap"..Ειδικά αυτό το "My disaster"...Ύμνος...